Vintage Art Deco Bakelite Necklace, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage bakelite necklance realized in 1940s. Good condition.
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Bakelite
Vintage Art Deco Bakelite Necklace, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage bakelite necklance realized in 1940s. Good condition.
Bakelite
Art Deco Bakelite Necklace By Jacob Bengel, c1930
By Jacob Bengel Company
Located in Devon, England
. One of the leading manufacturers of Art Deco jewellery, the company produced in the 1920's and 1930's
Chrome
Wonderful Art Deco Bakelite Tulip Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful and Rare Bakelite Tulip Necklace from the Art Deco period. Hand carved tulip heads of
Gilt Metal
French Art Deco Bakelite Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco bakelite link necklace in varied shades of brown with chrome link stations
Gilt Metal
Rare Art Deco Bakelite Carousel Horse Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Incredibly Rare Bakelite Carousel Horse Necklace from the 1930's Art Deco period. On occasion the
Gilt Metal
Art Deco Sterling, Bakelite and Paste Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Bakelite and sterling necklace set with pastes from the 1930s. Black bakelite squares are
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cherry red Bakelite beaded necklace, Art Deco
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Art Deco era cherry red Bakelite bead necklace. The perfect piece to add a dash
Sterling Silver
Late 1950s Napier Art Deco Bakelite Beaded Pendant Necklace
By Napier
Located in Maywood, NJ
Lustrous Lucite beads meet a striking Bakelite pendant in this signed, Art-Deco Napier Co necklace
Mixed Metal
$1,595
H 2.75 in W 1.9 in L 26 in
Rare Bakelite Cross With Flower And Chain Necklace Art Deco Wonderful!
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magnificent rare antique Art Deco Bakelite Cross Pendant Necklace. The stunning cross
Art Deco Jakob Bengel Bakelite Sautoir
By Jakob Bengel
Located in New York, NY
Striking Art Deco Jacob Bengel Bakelite Sautoir of jade and black bakelite toggle beads with chrome
Silver Plate
Art Deco Devil Cicada Insect Necklace France Bakelite Galalith Venetian Glass
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and very rare antique Art Nouveau - Art Deco French Devil and Cicada Insect Bug
Brass
Trifari Art Deco Style Bakelite Pendant
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari Art Deco Style Pendant in bakelite and gilt metal. Art Deco styling with barrel link chain
Gilt Metal
Art Deco Bakelite Bead and Bracelet Set
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Bakelite Bead and Bracelet Set from the 1930's. The necklace has graduated beads with a
Bakelite Acorn Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Charming Acorn and leaf charm necklace. Root beer colored carved bakelite acorns with celluloid
1930s Multicoloured Novelty Bakelite Necklace
Located in London, GB
Impressive 1930s Bakelite necklace made up of multicoloured beads in various shades of dark green
LB offers Deco style Lusterware Bakelite Tibetan ‘Amber’ African clay Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer an Art Deco style Lusterware and vintage Bakelite textured Buckle
Gold-filled, Brass
Green Marbled Bakelite Catalin Necklace 1930s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Green Bakelite / Catalin Necklace.Graduating round beads along with larger accent Bakelite
Jakob Bengel 1930s Chrome, Bakelite and Galalith Vintage Necklace
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
Galalith beads and butterscotch Bakelite beads. The necklace fastens with a large bolt ring and measures
Bakelite and Lucite Long Necklace White, Pink, and Green Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
This playful extra-long Bakelite and Lucite beaded necklace features assorted beads in various
Bakelite and Lucite Long Necklace Sunny Yellow and Orange Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
This colorful extra-long Bakelite and Lucite necklace features assorted beads in various carved
Bakelite and Lucite Long Necklace Gray, White, and Red Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning extra-long Bakelite and Lucite beaded necklace features assorted beads in various
Bakelite and Lucite Extra-Long Necklace Cocoa Brown, Beige and Amber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb extra-long beaded necklace features Bakelite and Lucite beads in assorted round and
$1,580
W 1.5 in Dm 8.5 in L 26 in
ArtDeco German Bakelite GoldRinged Green Ball Pendants ChainLink Necklace, 1930s
Located in Chicago, IL
Most likely made in Germany during the Art Deco period, this vintage unsigned long heavy 12-pendant
Yellow Gold, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Bakelite Necklace Earrings Set Limited Edition YSL, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
additions, this YSL necklace and earring set is a rare collector’s item from the designer’s peak era in the
Mixed Metal
$180Sale Price|74% Off
W 0.5 in L 25 in
Lorraine’s Bijoux offers a handmade, one of a kind, necklace of Bakelite beads.
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This statement necklace consists of all vintage Bakelite components. Many shades of green and gold
Sterling Silver
$227Sale Price|30% Off
H 3 in W 1.5 in Dm 3 in L 20 in
Vintage Bakelite centerpiece with vintage components and coral in handmade piece
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Vintage,hand painted and inlaid with crystals Bakelite centerpiece ,one of a kind necklace is on
Brass
$636Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.38 in Dm 8 in
Antique Bakelite Nº11 Cubist NYC Art Deco Cherry Red Charm Necklace
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Hyattsville, MD
USA c.1930s. Unknown Maker. Celluloid linked chain and Bakelite cube charms. With a good clasp
Bakelite
$716Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.5 in Dm 8.25 in
1930s Art Deco Bakelite + Celluloid Linked Necklace Dark Green Arching Dangles
Located in Hyattsville, MD
green Bakelite dangles. They have an organic feeling of arching reeds or arcing grass blades. American
Bakelite
Art Deco Bakelite Necklace By Jacob Bengel, c1930
By Jacob Bengel
Located in Westward ho, GB
. One of the leading manufacturers of Art Deco jewellery, the company produced in the 1920's and 1930's
Silver Plate
Art Deco Bakelite Necklace By Jacob Bengel, c1930
By Jacob Bengel
Located in Westward ho, GB
. One of the leading manufacturers of Art Deco jewellery, the company produced in the 1920's and 1930's
Silver Plate
Bakelite Necklace Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Bakelite Necklace Art Deco with black and transparent, faceted polished elements France around
Unavailable
Bakelite necklace with earrings, Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Bakelite necklace with earrings, Art Deco The red elements represent Gordian knots, the brisur at
Art Deco Bakelite and Chrome Necklace, C1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
Art Deco style necklace in catalin bakelite in tones of toffee and honey with chrome accents
Silver Plate
Unavailable
L 16.54 in
Bengelcollier red with bakelite balls, Art Deco, Germany 1920, Bakelite, Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Bengelcollier red with bakelite balls Necklace of the famous jewellery manufacturer Jakob Bengel
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Root Beer Bakelite & Celluloid Chain Link Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Root Beer Bakelite & Celluloid Chain Link Necklace. This coveted and rare
Bakelite necklace with earrings
Located in Berlin, DE
Bakelite necklace with earrings Art Deco necklace with barrel shaped bakelite elements with
Bakelite necklace with faccette cut
Located in Berlin, DE
Bakelite necklace with faccette cut necklace made of blue bakelite olives, facet cut, running with
Bakelite necklace in horn optic, France, around 1920
Located in Berlin, DE
Bakelite necklace in horn optic, France, around 1920 Bakelite necklace, bakelite elements running
1940s Bakelite, Wood and Gilt Metal Vintage Necklace
Located in Wigan, GB
Featuring moss green Bakelite, this wonderfully evocative necklace dates from the 1940s. It is
Gilt Metal
Jakob Bengel necklace in chrome and bakelite, c. 1920
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Berlin, DE
Jakob Bengel necklace in chrome and bakelite, c. 1920 Necklace of the famous jewellery
Vintage 1930's Carved Butterscotch Bakelite Rose Necklace
Located in Seguin, TX
Circa 1930's carved butterscotch color bakelite rose pendant necklace. Large rose is 1.25" dia
Bakelite, Wood
Long Art Deco Cherry Amber bakelite faceted bead necklace
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Cherry Bakelite Necklace, finely Facetted large Beads, tapering to rear and double knotted
Art Deco Machine Age Black bakelite necklace by Jacob Bengel
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Necklace by Jacob Bengal, in Chrome with Black Bakelite to the penne hammered Bow Pendant
Sold
W 0.75 in D 0.75 in L 18.5 in
An Art Deco grey and cream Bakelite, chrome metal necklace, Germany, 1930s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Deco, this attractive Machine Age necklace is a prime example. In complementing tones of soft grey and
Base Metal
20s Art Deco Style Bakelite Minaudière in Green and Black
Located in Gresham, OR
Extremely rare, yet quite modern looking 1920s Asian-inspired bakelite Asian cache necklace. Lid
D.R.G.M. black bakelite and paste Art Deco parure
By Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchs Muster (D.R.G.M.) 1
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
High Art Deco style parure (necklace, bracelet and earrings), with channel set paste and black
Base Metal
Bakelite and Lucite Necklace Tequila Pink and Gray Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite extra-long Bakelite and Lucite beaded necklace. Assorted beads in various shapes: round
Multicolor Bakelite Extra-Long Necklace with CribToy Beaded Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning rare Bakelite long necklace was hand-crafted in France in the 1940s. The piece
Brass
Yves Saint Laurent Marbled Yellow Bakelite Gold Link Necklace Belt , 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
bakelite rings linked together by a gold-toned metal. The rings are positioned in two rows maximizing the
Guillemette L'Hoir Paris Multicolored "French Bakelite" Galalith Necklace, 1970s
By Guillemette L’Hoir
Located in Boca Raton, FL
About: François Schoenlaub discovered Galalith in 1976. He contacted a French factory which still produced Galalith (Ets Feuillants Ezy S/Eure) and set up the company GUILLEMETTE L'H...
Sold
H 2.5 in L 20.5 in
LB offers Bakelite Vintage Sterling Floral Brooch African Bone Ceramic Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Bakelite Buckle Necklace. Vintage carved round Bone beads, African painted Ceramic tubular beads, Vintage
D.R.G.M soft salmon pink Bakelite and paste necklace, Germany 1930s
By Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchs Muster (D.R.G.M.) 1
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
very unusual hue of Bakelite. Whereas most pieces use black Bakelite, this elegant and simple necklace
Base Metal
1930s Art Deco Ladies Bakelite and White Metal Necklace
Located in Devon, England
Very attractive ladies Art Deco necklace, totally authentic and to the period, dating to the 1930s
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in Dm 1.19 in
Exceptionally Monumental Antique Art Deco Bakelite 'Cherry Amber' Necklace 1930
Located in Oirlo, LI
deep, warm glow so characteristic of antique Bakelite from the Art Deco era. Authentic Design: The
Bakelite
Art Deco Bakelite Breaking Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Rare and special Bakelite breaking heart pendant necklace from the 1930's. Composed of finely
Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
Midcentury Art Deco Style Sterling Silver and Bakelite Necklace
Located in valatie, NY
Mid Century Art Deco Style Sterling Silver and Bakelite Necklace. A great example of Art Deco
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 7.5 in W 1.25 in Dm 1.25 in L 7.5 in
Art Deco Bakelite Graduated Beaded Collar Necklace / SATURDAY SALE
Located in North Miami, FL
some of the rich colors of fall 2016. This art deco necklace can be worn with whites also for a great
Art Deco French Bakelite Sautoir
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco Sautoir pendant necklace. The tear drop pendant of carved black bakelite, incised
Gilt Metal
Art Deco Bakelite Cork and Wood Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Amusing necklace of cobalt blue bakelite chain, natural cork and multi colored Czech wood flower
Sold
W 0.79 in D 0.79 in L 15.75 in
Cherry red Bakelite Art Deco faceted necklace, graduated beads, antique
Located in Kings Langley, GB
Glamorous Art Deco faceted cherry red Bakelite necklace, featuring graduated beads connected by
1930s Art Deco Bakelite Chrome Geometric Bib Collar Statement Necklace
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage 1930's Art Deco large chrome and dark brown Bakelite/vintage plastic bib necklace is
Sold
W 0.47 in L 16.14 in
Art Deco DoSo Silver Tone Black Bakelite and Rhinestone Necklace circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Fabulous silver tone original Art Deco necklace featuring channel set rhinestones and black
Art Deco Bakelite and paste D.R.G.M. link necklace, Germany
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
blue marbled Bakelite, this very stylised, high Art Deco necklace is stamped 'D.R.G.M.', a mark very
Base Metal
Bakelite Maple Leaf Necklace, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Carved caramel bakelite maple leaf charms are suspended from a celluloid link chain. Art deco
LB vintage Copper Deco Pendant Stunning Bakelite and Murano glass Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux offers a Large Vintage Copper Deco Pendant Stunning Necklace.This one of a kind
Copper
Bakelite and Lucite Long Necklace Orange and White Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely extra-long Bakelite and Lucite necklace features assorted beads in various carved
Sold
W 0.5 in D 0.25 in L 14.75 in
Black Bakelite and channel set paste necklace, Randel, Germany, 1930s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
High in Art Deco style and colourway, this black Bakelite and clear paste necklace is unsigned but
Base Metal
Black Bakelite and grey channel set paste necklace, Germany, 1930s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A very unusual and stylish Art Deco necklace, made from black Bakelite and highlighted with grey
Base Metal
LB offers Magnificent French Buckle Bakelite Glass Sterling pendant necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux offer’s a magnificent, one of a kind, handmade, Art Deco style, antique French
Sterling Silver, Steel
Bakelite Bead Sautoir
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Bakelite lariat in tones of green, caramel and amber. Can be worn as a belt as well. Great
Extra Long Bakelite and Lucite Necklace Warm Fall Colors Marble Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handsome extra-long Bakelite and Lucite beaded necklace. Assorted beads in round, oval, and tomato
Vintage Amber Butterscotch Bakelite 19" Graduated Bead Necklace 14K gold clasp
Located in Milford, DE
Bold & bright! This vintage bakelite necklace features large, chunky, graduated butterscotch
14k Gold
LB offers Vintage Bakelite buckles Amber ovals Murano glass Sterling Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a Butterscotch Amber and Vintage Bakelite necklace. Two vintage
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.95 in L 44.89 in
Bakelite and Lucite Necklace Extra Long Shape Black, White and Apple Green Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Charming extra-long Bakelite and Lucite beaded necklace. Assorted beads in various shapes: round
Art Deco Bakelite Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A lush apple juice and root beer bakelite necklace with amazing faceted detailing.
Art Deco Modernist Bakelite and Chrome Necklace, C1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
Art Deco modernist style necklace in catalin bakelite in tones of green and black on a chrome chain
Rare Art Deco laminated bakelite and celluloid necklace
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Necklace Very rare Laminated, Geometrical Orange and Green Bakelite Rectangles on
Art Deco Jakob Bengel chrome and bakelite bow necklace
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Necklace In form of a bow, with Green Bakelite and Chrome, designed by Jakob Bengel
Art Deco Fabulous Modernist Bakelite Statement Necklace, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
Fabulous Modernist Art Deco statement pendant necklace. This necklace is so so elegant and stylish
Base Metal, Other
Art Deco Machine Age Green bakelite necklace by Jacob Bengel
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Jacob Bengel Necklace in Chrome and Galalith i.e., French Bakelite in Black and Lime green
FAMOUS Art Deco 1930s Bakelite Cherries Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is the famous 1930s dimpled cherry necklace consisting of 8 carved Bakelite cherries and
Rare Art Deco Celluloid and Bakelite cat and the moon necklace
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Ultra Art Deco, and extremely Rare Necklace Black Celluloid Links, with Salmon coloured spheres
Huge Art Deco black carved bakelite necklace pendant on celluloid chain
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Black Carved Bakelite Necklace, with original black Celluloid Chain with original “Hook
Art Deco Machine Age Red Bakelite necklace attributed to Jakob Bengel
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Necklace by Jakob Bengel, with cherry red Bakelite/Galalith, set in chrome clasps and
Art Deco huge Applejuice and Bakelite pendant necklace set with rhinestones
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco necklace, with Applejuice Bakelite Pendant, carved and inset with Baguette rhinestones and
Estate 18K Moon Necklace by Pamela Love 'Moon Phase' Lapis Diamonds Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Estate 18K Moon Necklace by Pamela Love 'Moon Phase' Lapis Diamonds Yellow Gold This necklace showcases a harmonious blend of lapis lazuli and diamonds, set in 18k yellow gold. The ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Bakelite Carved Rose Clamper Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Bakelite Carved Rose Clamper Bracelet from the 1920's. Hand carved Black bakelite with 2 flower motifs on top with carved leaves on the shoulders. Hinge on back allows entry...
$8,750
H 1.5 in W 1.5 in Dm 2.63 in
Rare Elsa Schiaparelli Documented Surrealist Lady Bug Cuff Bracelet
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Schiaparelli surrealist lady bug cuff bracelet. Of gilt plate metal the bombayed hinged cuffs inset with red, orange molded pate de verre glass lady bugs, partially painted in b...
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Rare and Unusual Reverse Carved Bakelite Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Rare and Unusual Reverse Carved Bakelite Bangle from the 1930's. High quality Art Deco bracelet with sections of mango bakelite spliced with reverse carved and painted sections. Extr...
Bakelite Bangle Wardrobe, 1930s-1950s
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful selection of Bakelite and Lucite bangles from the 1930s-1940s American.
From Bottom of Picture:
A)Root Beer Bakelite deeply carved leaves (7/8") $450
1930's True Vintage Bakelite Catalin Stretch Red & Yellow Bracelet
Located in Wallkill, NY
A fun vintage Bakelite / Catalin stretch bracelet in a rich butterscotch and Cherry. The bracelet is made up of narrow strips of Bakelite strung on heavy elastic. The thin panels hav...
$5,145
W 0.5 in D 0.5 in Dm 8.5 in L 15 in
Couture ElsaSchiaparelliShockingPink FauxRubyGoldGlassBeads Tassel Sautoir 1930s
Located in Chicago, IL
Elsa Schiaparelli famously embraced "shocking pink" for her Surrealist-aesthetic couture clothing and handcrafted costume jewelry, which she commissioned from Parisian paruriers begi...
Pearl, Gold
Bakelite Acorn Suite, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Charming suite from the 1930s of carved 3 dimensional tortoise colored bakelite "acorns" with both celluloid and carved bakelite leaves. The necklace has celluloid leaf spacers and t...
Black Bakelite and Brass Shell Suite
Located in New York, NY
Handcarved black bakelite shells which are trimmed with brass wiring alternate with bakelite bars on the Art Deco suite from the 1930s.
Excellent condition
Coppola e Toppo for Schiaparelli Ombre Bow Knot Bracelet
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in New York, NY
Coppola e Toppo ombre pale peach to crystal bow knot five strand bracelet. Of faceted crystal beads and gilt signature multi crystal clasp. Italy 1950's. Width clasp 1.50" Length 6...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.